----------------------------Original message----------------------------
I have a student interested in possibly doing a project on developing a
GIS for a non-terrestrial body (i.e. the Moon, Mars, Venus, an asteroid,
etc.). At the moment he is trying to get a feel for what sort of approach
and problem might be feasible for tackling, and also what if any resources
could be availed of for data. On his behalf, a couple of questions:
(a) Does anybody know a good source (on-line or otherwise) of basic
topographic or other mapping for such astronomical bodies? We
know there is a lot of remote sensing imagery available for a number
of astronomical bodies such as Mars, but to be usable - especially
for a newcomer - it would probably be easier if it could somehow be
registered to an established coordinate system and topographic base.
(b) Is there any particularly good literature (articles or books),
suitable for a keen and able senior undergraduate, that presents
case studies and/or goes into the specific problems of mapping
non-terrestrial places (e.g. choice of coordinate system,
availability or determination of standard datum points, etc.)?
(c) Is there anybody out there who is working on similar problems?
Many thanks,
Darius Bartlett
***************************************************************************
Darius Bartlett Darius Bartlett
Department of Geography Roinn na Tireolaiochta
University College Cork Colaste na hOllscoile Corcaigh
Cork, Ireland Corcaigh, Eire
Phone: (+353) 21 902835 Fax: (+353) 21 271980
Mobile (in Ireland): 086 8238043 Mobile (from abroad): (+353) 86 8238043
E-mail: [log in to unmask] Web URL: http://www.ucc.ie/ucc/depts/geography/djb
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
This message was transmitted using 100% recycled electrons....
***************************************************************************